Circadian sleep, illumination, and activity patterns in women: influences of aging and time reference

Author(s): Kripke, D. F., AncoliIsrael, S., Klauber, M. R., Sepulveda, R. S., Mowen, M. A., Assmus, J. D., Langer, R. D.

Journal/Book: Physiol Behav. 2000; 68: the Boulevard Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford Ox5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 347-352.

Abstract: Patterns of sleep, illumination, and activity of women of different ages were continuously monitored in their natural environments with a wrist activity monitor. Partial correlation analyses were performed to determine relationships between age and sleep and several circadian rhythm measures including the amplitudes, mesors, and timings of sleep, of illumination, and of activity. We found no age-related decline in actigraphic sleep duration. Age was not a significant correlate of circadian rhythm parameters of sleep. Moreover, no age effects were found on daily illumination exposure or on the circadian timing of illumination and activity patterns. However, the level and amplitude of the circadian activity rhythm showed a gradual decline with aging, independent of the time reference (i.e., Daylight Saving Time versus Standard Time) when recordings were obtained. As expected, significant associations were observed between local time reference and the level and timing of peak of illumination patterns. However, changes in local time reference were not significantly and consistently associated with actigraphic sleep or activity measures.

Note: Article Jean-Louis G, Univ Calif San Diego, Dept Psychiat, Circadian Pacemaker Lab, 9500 Gilman Dr, 0667, La Jolla,CA 92093 USA

Keyword(s): aging; circadian rhythm; actigraphy; sleep; illumination; activity; time reference; TEMPERATURE RHYTHMS; ELDERLY SUBJECTS; COMPLAINTS; PREVALENCE; LIGHT; DEPRESSION; MORTALITY; MELATONIN; DISORDERS; INSOMNIA

Zurück | Weiter